ISRO launches PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads
ISRO launches PSLV-C60 with SpaDeX and innovative payloads
In News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched PSLV-C60 from Sriharikota, carrying the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) and innovative payloads.
This marks a historic milestone as India attempts to demonstrate in-orbit docking technology, mastered by only a handful of nations.
Key Highlights
Primary Payload:
SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment)with two small satellites:
SDX-01 (Chaser)
SDX-02 (Target)
Objective:
Demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft in low-Earth orbit.
Showcase indigenous “Bharatiya Docking System.”
Technology Significance:
Docking allows refuelling, crew transfer, space station assembly, and sample return missions.
Other Payloads:
PSLV-C60 also carried 24 innovative POEM-4 payloads, including experiments from start-ups and universities.
Strategic Importance
Future Missions:
Chandrayaan-4 (sample return)
Gaganyaan (human spaceflight)
Indian Space Station (planned ~2035)
Paves the way for long-duration human space missions.
Enhances India’s status among the elite spacefaring nations (US, Russia, China).
